Blossom is beginning to bloom across Lincolnshire, and the National Trust is inviting people to emulate Japan's Hanami – the ancient tradition of viewing and celebrating blossom.

The conservation charity piloted #BlossomWatch last year when the country had just entered lockdown and now it is urging people to do the same again this year.

Thousands captured and shared images of trees in bloom across social media platforms, with four million views in the first two weeks.

Making #BlossonWatch an annual tradition, the National Trust is asking people to share the joy and hope that the sight of blush-tinted blooms will help to lift spirits and enable everyone to celebrate nature together.

In Lincolnshire, the gardens at Belton House are already coming alive with new spring blooms.

Ellie Marrian, Gardener at Belton House, said: "Chaenomeles kick off Belton's blossom season with bright, colourful flowers crisscrossing up the walls around the estate, before tree blossom like Prunus 'Tai-haku' start to unfurl. The Japanese Cherry lines the path from the sundial to the house, a sight not to be missed – before the finale of the white hawthorn coming into flower in Belton's Italian garden, in May."

A growing body of evidence suggests that moments of noticing nature each day are vital for wellbeing and building a closer connection with nature, and further evidence also suggests that people derive many of the benefits from online engagement.

Therefore, the Trust is asking people to celebrate blossom, to 'turn social media pink, white and green' over the coming weeks, to mark one of 'nature's greatest spectacles'.

To get involved simply take and share imagery using #BlossomWatch.

The Trust is also launching a blossom map this year to record blossom sightings across the country. For further information, to donate towards its tree planting ambitions, and inspiration, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/blossom-watch

Visitors hoping to see the beautiful blossom displays at Belton House are advised to pre-book their tickets, to guarantee entry, via www.nationaltrust.org.uk/belton-house